I'm about 2 years in with a newer Vitamix and do like its power and canister volume. However, I have to put in a plug for the old 1970's era Osterizer (in classic beige no less ) I still use the old Osterizer for may things...the motor is beginning to show its age but the ease of cleaning it is almost unsurpassed. I'll make nutbutters in the Oster before the Vitamix for this reason. Also worth noting is the care in the design of the Osterizer: The flexible top, with a bit of pushing, fits neatly (sideways) into the canister so that it can be stored with the lid upside down. It's been amazing how easy it has been to find parts for that old unit. There are a few repair shops in town that I may actually solicit to fix the motor if it dies....even if it's a bit of an expense, if it were to last the rest of my lifetime, I'd be pleased.

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“The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or hostile universe.”― Albert Einstein

I'm really happy with the champion juicer that I got at a yard sale for $25. It seems to have lots of life left in it.

I found two more partial machines in a hoarder house that I dealt with this winter. Haven't had a chance to clean or assess them. That house also yielded several pieces of cast iron that should last a lifetime.

I have a 1940's era Osterizer chrome base one speed. Family heirloom only repair was to replace the worn out rubber feet when I happened to be drilling out some rubber padding with a hole saw.

The Champion juicer I think is from the early 60's I have posted picture of it at work several times on permies along with the steam juicer which we have had 5 years but will last another generation.
I also have a grain mill attachment for the Champion that has seen a lot of use and is still going strong.
Now If you find a Champion Juicer motor and no attachments it is still a very valuable motor. A grinding wheel, sanding drum or disk or buffer can be mounted and it will be stronger than most commercial models.

I have to add my broadfork webpage I had mine made special with tines closer together for digging up Hmalyan blackberry crowns. He says that they are not for digging up large boulders but they have been known to do so without damage. I have doon it quite a few times.

I LOVE my garden cart.
It is at least 40 years old. I have hauled all manner of things - easily on this cart. Full of rocks, dirt, hay, grandchildren, and even furniture! It you can balance it on the cart , you can move it .This one was made by Garden Way. Out of business now. A similar one is made by Carts Vermont. I have replaced the balance bar with a part from Carts Vermont. Only thing wrong with theirs, they do not have hard rubber tires. After 35 years my tires came off in pieces. Finally found some hard rubber tires else where on the web.

Another work house is my HOE. I have had this for about 40 years too. Had to buy it a new handle after my grandsons tried to move a railroad tie with it. The head will last forever. You can chop down a small tree with this. LOVE it.

These two tools have helped me create my new Permaculture garden. Check out the fledging blog about the journey.
www.steps2permaculture.com

Oooh I saw that Osterizer in the thumbnail and just had to check out this thread. I love those old blenders. I had one that was from the 70's too, got it from my parents. It lasted up until 5 years ago under heavy use. Then about 3 years ago(and 2 new blenders later) I see another such vintage blender at a garage sale from a woman who it turns out got it from her mother, and didn't really know how many decades old it was. I still can't believe she let it go for $3, but I expect that machine to be lasting at least another 20 years.

If you want a kitchen appliance that lasts, go on ebay, or scour yard sales and thrift stores. Just keep checking for something that's proven itself for decades, and it'll prove itself for you too.

I was given a Vitamix many moons ago as a gift, back when the containers were straight sided metal. It finally gave up the ghost & I bought a new one, which I love, but i sure wish it wasn't plastic and had straight sides. All those grooves make it impossible to get every bit out and I hate waste! I use it about five days out of seven. I'm a vegan so I probably use it more often than carnivores.

Southern Ontario, Canada
www.smallbones.ca

It's a pleasure to see superheros taking such an interest in science. And this tiny ad: